Turret apparatus

ABSTRACT

A security monitoring system and device comprising a turret apparatus or device configured for embedded placement into a position below the ground surface near a location or a perimeter of a location the device or system of the device is intended to monitor. The singular device is most generally provided in an assembly that can be considered modular, wherein the device is provided in a complete assembly that can be placed into a ground surface or structure for monitoring an area surrounding the device. Accordingly, the device comprises a silo defining an interior space, a movable platform and actuator, a camera, an actuator, a defense mechanism, a shielded dome, and a control system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/209,446 filed 11 Jun. 2021 to the above-namedinventor of which the disclosure is considered part of the disclosure ofthis application and is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a subterranean embedded turretapparatus with movable security features configured to providemonitoring and protection to a dedicated area. More particularly, theturret apparatus is configured to rise to the surface when potentialthreats are detected for remote monitoring of an area.

BACKGROUND

Several individuals, organizations, and governments utilize securitydevices or personal to protect property and people. Typical securitymonitoring utilizes various camera, sensors, and often utilizesindividuals as guards. Although generally helpful, these techniques areoften directly out in the open and visible by potential threats. Stillfurther, these existing systems are generally limited in theircapabilities and positioning, wherein they are utilized for monitoringonly or need to be placed onto a structure that is positioned above aground surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be advantageous to have a monitoring apparatus that isconfigured to detect surrounding motion. Furthermore, it would also beadvantageous to have an apparatus that is provided in a subterraneanassembly with features to allow for vertical movement to a positionabove the ground surface. Still further, it would be advantageous tohave an apparatus that is shielded and multifunctional. Therefore, therecurrently exists a need in the market for an improved apparatus thatprovides security protection and monitoring.

The invention advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies byproviding a remote apparatus, which provides security for potentialthreats to an occupied area.

The turret apparatus or device of the present disclosure is generally anassembled turret-like apparatus configured for embedded placement into aposition below the ground surface near a location or a perimeter of alocation the device or system of the device is intended to monitor.

Accordingly, the device can be utilized as a standalone device comprisedof a single turret device or the device can be utilized in a system ofmultiple turret devices configured to operate in tandem with a pluralityof devices coupled together in a communicative monitoring system.

The singular device is most generally provided in an assembly that canbe considered modular, wherein the device is provided in a completeassembly that can be placed into a ground surface or structure formonitoring an area surrounding the device. Accordingly, the devicecomprises a silo generally being a cylindrical or tubular structureforming a housing for the main working components of the device that areplaced within an interior space of the silo. This silo having a lowerside and an upper side opposite the lower side, the distance between thelower side and the upper side defining a height of the silo. The lowerside representing the bottom of the device and generally being closed tothe protect and secure the interior space of the silo.

The upper side generally being the open end of the device andselectively closed through a plurality of doors. The plurality of doorsgenerally movable, in a flap-like manner, wherein each door of theplurality of doors is hingedly received on the upper side and movable inan arc of approximately 180 degrees. Accordingly, the plurality of doorsis preferably provided in four doors placed equidistant around aperimeter of the upper side and hingedly movable in the petal-likefashion.

The silo interior space housing the working components of the device inthe form of a shielded dome protecting at least a defense mechanism anda camera. Preferably, the shielded dome includes an opening to allow foraccess to the camera and defense mechanism while simultaneously beingprotected by the dome. The shielded dome is generally positioned on aplatform. The platform movable both rotationally 360 degrees about thesilo exterior and vertically about the silo height interior space,wherein the platform is movable between a first retracted position and asecond raised position and to various positions rotationally surroundingthe device. The platform and shielded dome are generally raised from aprotected position within the silo interior to a visible position abovethe surface and upper side.

In the preferred embodiment of the device, the platform is positioned ona free end of an actuator. The actuator functioning as a piston to raiseand lower the platform. The actuator secured within the silo at a fixedend positioned at the lower side. Preferably the actuator is of thehydraulic type, although other actuator types may be utilized.

The device camera can generally be described as an image capturingdevice, wherein the camera may be of the traditional type or other typesof detecting devices, such as, but not limited to, thermal imagingdetectors or night vision type camera devices. Further, the camera maybe a single camera of a given type or multiple cameras/detectors andcamera types provided in an array. The camera may be referred to astargeting camera and utilized to scan and detect security anomalieswithin a given area. Accordingly, the camera may be utilized to detectmotion and trigger an alert upon detected motion.

The device defense mechanism can most generally be described as adeterrent or firing mechanism to prevent unwanted access to an areaprotected by the device. Accordingly, the defense mechanism can be aweapon that emits a projectile, such as, but not limited to a gun, afirearm, or other similar weapon that may be considered lethal ornon-lethal. Alternately, the defense mechanism may be some other type ofdeterrent, such as, but not limited to, a chemical or noise. The defensemechanism is received on the platform and aligned with the opening ofthe dome. In a preferred assembly to increase targeting capabilities ofthe defense mechanism, the defense mechanism is mounted to the platformwith a pivoting mount. The pivoting mount generally allowing fordirectional movement of the defense mechanism in a vertical directionrelative to the ground surface the device is placed. Accordingly, thepivoting mount and the rotational movement of the platform enables forviewing and targeting potential threats in areas above the surfacecompletely surrounding the device.

The device and more particularly operation of the camera and defensemechanism are configured to be controlled from a position that is remoterelative to the device. The device including features to allow for thisremote control from a remote position though an electronic coupling witha control system. The control system generally allowing operation of thedevice, wherein a user of the device can utilize a controller of thecontrol system to activate the device, move the device platform, moveand operate the defense mechanism, view camera images and operation,operate the plurality of doors, and communicate with additional devicesor peripherals. Accordingly, the device can generally be understood asmonitoring and security device for placement adjacent to an area forproviding monitoring, surveillance, and defense.

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read inconjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and anypreferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed orotherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided byway of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough,complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front side view of the device in a raised position,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the device in a raised position,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the device interior in the raisedposition, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is view of the device in operation between a retracted positionand the raised position, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is view of multiple devices configured to protect and monitor astructure, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description includes references to theaccompanying drawings, which forms a part of the detailed description.The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in whichthe invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are alsoreferred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Theembodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, orstructural, and logical changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present invention. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Before the present invention of this disclosure is described in suchdetail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is notlimited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary.Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalentsmay be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope ofthe invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation, material, composition of matter, process, processact(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit, or scope of the presentinvention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope ofthe disclosure made herein.

Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in thisdocument have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Suchordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the artand by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that theembodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrasesare not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within theknowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure,or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or notexplicitly described.

The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrativerather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings givenby usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, anycombination of the items, or all of the items with which this term isassociated.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and thelike are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the presentinvention.

As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer toembodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, undercertain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred,under the same or other circumstances.

Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments doesnot imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended toexclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,”“right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify thevarious elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with “front,” “back,”and “rear” being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant tolimit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may beoriented differently in various applications.

As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two membersdirectly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary innature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers, or the two members and any additional intermediate membersbeing integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another orwith the two members or the two members and any additional intermediatemembers being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent innature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.Similarly, coupled can refer to a two member or elements being incommunicatively coupled, wherein the two elements may be electronically,through various means, such as a metallic wire, wireless network,optical fiber, or other medium and methods.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. For example, a first element could be termed asecond element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a firstelement without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Following are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to,and embodiments of, methods and apparatus according to the presentdisclosure. It should be appreciated that various aspects of the subjectmatter introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may beimplemented in any of numerous ways, as the subject matter is notlimited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specificimplementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrativepurposes.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 generally show the turretapparatus and system for use of the present disclosure and generallyreferred to herein as device 10. The device 10 of the present disclosureis generally an assembled turret-like apparatus configured for embeddedplacement into a position below the ground surface near a location or aperimeter of a location the device 10 or system of the device 10 isintended to monitor.

Accordingly, the device 10 can be utilized as a standalone device 10comprised of a single device 10 or the device 10 can be utilized in asystem of multiple devices 10 configured to operate in tandem with aplurality of devices 10 coupled together in a communicative monitoringsystem (FIG. 5 ).

The singular device 10 is most generally provided in an assembly thatcan be considered modular, wherein the device 10 is provided in acomplete assembly that can be placed into a ground surface or structurefor monitoring an area surrounding the device 10. Accordingly, thedevice 10 comprises a silo 100 generally being a cylindrical or tubularstructure forming a housing for the main working components of thedevice 10 placed within an interior space of the silo 100. This silo 100having a lower side 101 and an upper side 102 opposite the lower side101, the distance between the lower side 101 and the upper side 102defining a height of the silo 100. The lower side 101 representing thebottom of the device 10 and generally being closed to the protect andsecure the interior space of the silo 100.

The upper side 102 generally being the open end of the device 10 andselectively closed through a plurality of doors 120. The plurality ofdoors 120 generally movable, in a flap-like manner, wherein each door ofthe plurality of doors 120 is hingedly received on the upper side 102and movable in an arc of approximately 180 degrees. Accordingly, theplurality of doors 120 is preferably provided in four doors 121, 122,123, 124 placed equidistant around a perimeter of the upper side 102 andhingedly movable in a petal-like fashion.

The silo 100 interior space housing the working components of the device10 in the form of a shielded dome 103 protecting at least a defensemechanism 104 and a camera 105. Preferably, the shielded dome 103includes an opening 130 to allow for access to the camera 105 anddefense mechanism 104 while simultaneously being protected by the dome103. The shielded dome 103 is generally positioned on a platform 106.The platform 106 movable both rotationally 360 degrees about the silo100 exterior and vertically about the silo 100 height interior space,wherein the platform 106 is movable between a first retracted positionand a second raised position and to various positions rotationallysurrounding the device 10. The platform 106 and shielded dome 103 aregenerally raised from a protected position within the silo 100 interiorto a visible position above the surface and upper side 102.

In the preferred embodiment of the device, the platform 106 ispositioned on a free end 171 of an actuator 107. The actuator 107functioning as a piston to raise and lower the platform 106. Theactuator 107 secured within the silo 100 at a fixed end 172 positionedat the lower side 101. Preferably the actuator 107 is of the hydraulictype, although other actuator types may be utilized.

The device 10 camera 105 can generally be described as an imagecapturing device, wherein the camera 105 may be of the traditional typeor other types of detecting devices, such as, but not limited to,thermal imaging detectors, active infrared detectors, or night visiontype camera devices. Further, the camera 105 may be a single camera of agiven type or multiple cameras/detectors and camera types provided in anarray. The camera 105 may be referred to as targeting camera andutilized to scan and detect security anomalies within a given area.Accordingly, the camera 105 may be utilized to detect motion and triggeran alert upon detected motion.

The device 10 defense mechanism 104 can most generally be described as adeterrent or firing mechanism to prevent unwanted access to an areaprotected by the device 10. Accordingly, the defense mechanism 104 canbe a weapon that emits a projectile, such as, but not limited to a gun,a firearm, or other similar weapon that may be considered lethal ornon-lethal. Alternately, the defense mechanism 105 may be some othertype of deterrent, such as, but not limited to, a chemical or noise. Thedefense mechanism 104 is received on the platform 106 and aligned withthe opening 130 of the dome 103. In a preferred assembly to increasetargeting capabilities of the defense mechanism 104, the defensemechanism 104 is mounted to the platform 106 with a pivoting mount 140.The pivoting mount 140 generally allowing for directional movement ofthe defense mechanism 104 in a vertical direction relative to the groundsurface the device 10 is placed. Accordingly, the pivoting mount 140 andthe rotational movement of the platform 106 enables for viewing andtargeting potential threats in areas above the service completelysurrounding the device 10.

The device 10 and more particularly operation of the camera 104 anddefense mechanism 105 are configured to be controlled from position thatis remote relative to the device 10. The device 10 including features toallow for this remote control from a remote position though anelectronic coupling with a control system 1. The control system 1generally allowing operation of the device 10, wherein a user of thedevice 10 can utilize a controller of the control system 1 to activatethe device 10, move the device 10 platform 106, move and operate thedefense mechanism 104, view camera 105 images and operation, operate theplurality of doors 120, and communicate with additional devices 10 orperipherals. Accordingly, the device 10 can generally be understood asmonitoring and security device for placement adjacent to an area forproviding monitoring, surveillance, and defense.

While the invention has been described above in terms of specificembodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited tothese disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of thisdisclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the inventionwill come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this inventionpertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both thisdisclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scopeof the invention should be determined by proper interpretation andconstruction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, asunderstood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure inthis specification and the attached drawings.

1. A turret apparatus for placement into a ground surface for providingsecurity to a user, the turret apparatus being a device comprising: asilo, the being cylindrical in shape defining an interior space andhaving a lower side and an upper side opposite the lower side, adistance between the lower side and the upper side defining a height ofthe silo, the upper side being open to the interior space; an actuator,the actuator positioned on the lower side of the silo and configured toextend and retract the height of the silo; a platform, the platformrotational received on an end of the actuator; a camera received on theplatform; a defense mechanism received on the platform; a shielded dome,the shielded dome received on the platform and surrounding the cameraand defense mechanism; and a control system, the control systemcontrolling activation of the device, movement of the actuator andplatform, operation of the camera, and operation of the defensemechanism.
 2. The turret apparatus of claim 1, wherein the deviceincludes a plurality of doors, the plurality of doors positioned on theupper side of the silo and movable between an open position and a closedposition, the plurality of doors controlled by the control system. 3.The turret apparatus of claim 1, wherein the camera includes a thermaldetector.
 4. The turret apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cameraincludes an active infrared detector.
 5. The turret apparatus of claim1, wherein the defense mechanism is a gun.
 6. The turret apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the device is controlled from a remote location.
 7. Asecurity monitoring system and device configured for placement into aground surface for remote monitoring of an area, the security monitoringsystem and device comprising: at least one silo, the at least one silobeing cylindrical in shape defining an interior space and having a lowerside and an upper side opposite the lower side, a distance between thelower side and the upper side defining a height of the silo, the upperside being open to the interior space; an actuator, the actuatorpositioned on the lower side of the at least one silo and configured toextend and retract the height of the at least one silo; a platform, theplatform rotational received on an end of the actuator; a camerareceived on the platform; a defense mechanism received on the platform;a shielded dome, the shielded dome received on the platform andsurrounding the camera and defense mechanism; and a control system, thecontrol system controlling activation of the device, movement of theactuator and platform, operation of the camera, and operation of thedefense mechanism.
 8. The security monitoring system and device of claim7, wherein the at least one silo includes a plurality of doors, theplurality of doors positioned on the upper side of the at least one siloand movable between an open position and a closed position, theplurality of doors controlled by the control system.
 9. The securitymonitoring system and device of claim 7, wherein the camera includes athermal detector.
 10. The security monitoring system and device of claim7, wherein the camera includes an active infrared detector.
 11. Thesecurity monitoring system and device of claim 7, wherein the defensemechanism is a gun.
 12. The security monitoring system and device ofclaim 7, wherein the system includes a plurality of silos, each silo ofthe plurality of silos coupled to the control system.
 13. The securitymonitoring system and device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of silosare controlled from a remote location.
 14. A security monitoring systemand device configured for placement into a ground surface for remotemonitoring of an area, the security monitoring system and devicecomprising: at least one silo, the at least one silo being cylindricalin shape defining an interior space and having a lower side and an upperside opposite the lower side, a distance between the lower side and theupper side defining a height of the silo, the upper side being open tothe interior space; an actuator, the actuator having a fixed positionedon the lower side of the at least one silo and a free end, the actuatorconfigured to extend and retract the height of the at least one silo; aplatform, the platform rotational received on the free end of theactuator and movable from the interior of the at least one silo to anexterior of the at least one silo; a camera received on the platform; adefense mechanism movably received on the platform; a shielded dome, theshielded dome received on the platform and surrounding the camera anddefense mechanism; a plurality of doors, the plurality of doorspositioned on the upper side of the at least one silo and movablebetween an open position and a closed position; and a control system,the control system controlling activation of the device, movement of theactuator and platform, operation of the camera, operation of theplurality of doors, and operation of the defense mechanism.
 15. Thesecurity monitoring system and device of claim 14, wherein the cameraincludes a thermal detector.
 16. The security monitoring system anddevice of claim 14, wherein the camera includes an active infrareddetector.
 17. The security monitoring system and device of claim 14,wherein the defense mechanism is a gun.
 18. The security monitoringsystem and device of claim 14, wherein the system includes a pluralityof silos, each silo of the plurality of silos coupled to the controlsystem.
 19. The security monitoring system and device of claim 18,wherein the plurality of silos are controlled from a remote location.